This is a disease caused by the swine pox virus which can survive outside the pig for long periods of time and is resistant to environmental changes. It is a vesicular disease.

Symptoms

All Pigs

• Small circular red areas 10-20mm in diameter that commence with a vesicle containing straw-coloured fluid in the centre.
• After two to three days the vesicle ruptures and a scab is formed which gradually turns black.
• The lesions may be seen on any part of the body but are common along the flanks, abdomens and occasionally the ears.
• A secondary dermatitis may occur.
• Unusual in piglets.

Causes / Contributing factors

• It can be spread by lice or mange mites.
• Skin abrasions.
• Fighting and mixing of pigs.

Diagnosis

It can be confused with localised greasy pig disease, pustular dermatitis and the allergic form of mange. Close examination shows swine pox lesions.